Page 7 of Her Forbidden Teacher

Her cheeks turn pink and she grins. “That’s a good idea.”

I stare at her for far too long before clearing my throat and looking elsewhere. I smack the top of her vehicle before stepping away. “It’s just a bad day. Not a bad life.”

It’s the thing Penny always says to me. When it comes from my sister, it’s annoying, but while helping someone else with it, it’s not so bad.

“Thank you,” she murmurs. “I needed to hear that.”

I flash her a warm smile. “See you tomorrow, Addison.”

“I’ll be there.”

As I make my way back over to my truck, an uneasy feeling settles in my gut. I’m not sure my deal is, but I’m interested in what’s going on with the poor girl. I sense her sadness and it makes me want to comfort her in ways I wish other people were able to comfort me.

But I can’t do that shit.

She’s my student.

She’s. My. Student.

Tomorrow I’ll do better. I’ve been a teacher for one day. Surely this gig will get easier with time.

Chapter 3

Addison

This isn’t home.

I’ve lived in the house Mom shares with her new husband, Lloyd, for a week now, and I hate it. I want my room at my dad’s—my childhood bedroom. This place feels like a tomb.

Plus, it’s always cold here. The furniture is minimal, there’s no carpet to warm your feet on, and it echoes too loudly for my liking.

I miss Dad, his wife, Mei, their baby twins, and Cason.

“You’re up early,” a deep voice says as I enter the kitchen.

Forcing a smile to my lips, I turn and greet my new stepfather. “Just want to have time to grab an iced coffee and get a good parking spot at school.”

Lloyd nods and studies me, eyes narrowed as if to pry inside my brain. He’s a lawyer and every conversation I’ve had with the guy feels like he’s cross-examining a witness at a murder trial.

He’s not attractive like my father. I know Mom was far more interested in this man’s success and the name he’s made for himself than his looks. Lloyd is balding so he shaves his head with a razor each day as if he meant it to be that way. But, when you look closely, you can tell there’s zero hair up top.

“How are you liking Brown High?” he asks, head tilting slightly, eyes never unlatching from mine. “Anyone giving you any trouble?”

“It’s great,” I say quickly, smiling wider than feels natural. “Everyone’s so nice.”

He makes a chuffing sound as if he can’t believe it. “Well, you let me know if that changes. I’d be happy to have a talk with the principal.”

I don’t know much about Lloyd, but I do know I don’t want him doing something Dad can easily do if I need him. It’s a nice gesture, though. Mom certainly doesn’t worry about my wellbeing.

“Where’s Mom?” I ask, noting she’s nowhere to be found.

“Breakfast with Rhett. I’ve been encouraging her to mend their relationship. She’s a grandma now and I know she wants to see the baby.”

I highly doubt she wants to see Rhett’s baby, Buck. Rhett’s Team Dad since the divorce which I know annoys her. Plus, Rhett made waves at our country club when he slept with his fiancée’s sister, Abby, and got her pregnant. There was all kinds of family drama involved with that. It embarrassed Mom, so it’s surprising to me that she’s trying with Rhett. Maybe Lloyd is actually good for her and isn’t so bad after all.

“When Cason comes to stay for the weekend, maybe we can all go to Smoke & Sugar. I know you all love that place,” Lloyd suggests. “My treat.”

“Sounds fun,” I lie as I grab a banana and head for the door. “See you later.”